Minimal and Surreal Functional Art

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in fine arts but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Edith Sevigny-Martel, founder of Sévigny, located in Montreal, QC, Canada.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Hi! I'm Edith, and I am a ceramicist. I make a variety of functional and less functional ceramic pieces ranging from tableware to extra large vessels. My customers are typically easygoing and like to curate their homes. They believe that common, everyday objects don't need to look so common.

I've also been hosting pottery workshops! It's been so fun to be able to create a space for people to work with clay. Most people leave feeling very calm and fulfilled, which makes me very happy.

Tell us about yourself

I started doing ceramics as a hobby alongside my advertising job in 2018. After being let go from my 9-5, I took it as a sign that the corporate world was no longer for me and that I should live my childhood dream of becoming an artist.

I to took ceramics as a medium as it is incredibly versatile, and there's the added challenge of making things visually interesting and functional. I am motivated every day by pushing my limits with clay. I am currently exploring the conception of giant pieces and studying traditional methods to do so. Every continent has historical methods of making giant vessels as these were containers for food/beverage storage and fermentation... Ok, now you got me getting nerdy about pottery, haha, I'll stop here and save you the ramble!

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment so far has been opening my own studio during the pandemic. Ceramicists tend to start their practice in community studios or renting space in an established studio. The equipment is expensive and requires a lot of knowledge to run and maintain. Although this was a great place to start, it's not ideal once you start producing a certain volume. The sense of peace I feel when I walk into my space is unbeatable.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

The hardest thing for me is scheduling my time. It's hard to put a time schedule on creative work, especially if it's my first time making a particular structure. As I'm a type B personality who loves to go with the flow, I think it might be time to hire an avid Type A assistant to keep me in check.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

Trust your gut over everything. If it doesn't feel quite right, then it's probably not. If it's not a hell yes, it's a no.
Form a board of advisors. Friends, mentors, and connections you trust will give you honest feedback and challenge you. My direction has been set, and my growth has been accelerated by being around people with whom I can discuss my creative path.
Although done is better than perfect, keep in mind that if you're putting sub-par products or services out into the world, you may eventually get known for that. Do it well, or don't do it at all.

Hmm, can't think of anything right now. Thank you very much for having me on the blog!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://maisonsevigny.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maisonsevigny/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maisonsevigny/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edithsevignymartel/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.